Cuts

Dear Editor:

How does one distinguish between a European conservative and a member of the Tea Party?

After the last financial crisis, both Europe and the U.S. officially became economic messes. Fortunately, Europe’s conservatives had the first cut at their government budgets. Now we face the Tea Party’s wrath, all except Texas where federal funds make up 32 percent of the state budget — cuts are unlikely there. But, the New England states hit by Hurricane “Sandy” — yeah, we can cut them a bit.

So, lets look at “how things are supposed to work.” The Tea Party promise is such policies will actually boost economies by inspiring confidence. Actual European result: those nations, “imposing harsh austerity suffered deep economic downturns; the harsher, the deeper the downturn. Countries pursuing austerity have seen the ratio of debt to G.D.P. rise, because the shrinkage in their economies has outpaced any reduction in the rate of borrowing,” — Paul Krugman.

But, on this side of the pond, we can always cut entitlements, for instance, Medicare. Fact: the second largest national expenditure we have is health care. Strange, but true, Medicare and some insurers are the only cost restraint on what the medical community charges for services. Next time you’re submitting your “non-profit” hospital bill to Medicare, ask for a cost comparison to the hospital’s “Charge Master” service cost listing. You will find there are several hundred percent differences favoring you and Medicare. Only the poor and/or the non-insured pay the full boat.

Why do Republican Congressmen hate Obama Care? Their medical lobbyists told them — make that contributed to their “outrage.” The related expansion of Medicaid is a cost constraint for the citizen. Even Republican governors seek reelection.